Bayer 04 agree contract extension with Kerim Alajbegovic

"Kerim Alajbegovic has developed brilliantly with us over the past few years," said sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. "He has become a key player in our U19 team and he has also gained important experience in training with and being part of the first team squad." Kim Falkenberg, head of recruitment at the champions of Germany and DFB Pokal winners, sees in Alajbegovic a player with outstanding prospects: "We believe Kerim will successfully be able to continue his impressive progress with us," said Falkenberg.

Alajbegovic has made 21 appearances for the Bayer 04 U19 team in the 2024/25 season and has chipped in with ten goals and seven assists – including three goals in six matches in the UEFA Youth League. The Bosnia and Herzegovina U19 international was in the Bundesliga squad of the champions of Germany for the matches against VfL Bochum and FC St. Pauli. The 1.78 metre tall technically-gifted player was also in the first team squad for the DFB Pokal second round tie against SV 07 Elversberg.

"I'm very happy that Bayer 04 have rated my performances over the last few years so highly," declared a happy Alajbegovic. "Now I have the chance, under the best possible conditions, to continue to work on my development and put myself in the running for the senior squad. I definitely want to make the most of this opportunity."